Profits on handmade scarves go to the dogs

Diane Shalter of Muhlenberg Township, left, and Janet Brinker of Spring Township make patterned scarves for dogs to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Here they are trying one on Duke, a dog up for adoption at the shelter.

Pet lovers and fashionistas alike are able to buy stylish scarves for the furry members of their families while supporting animal welfare causes in Berks County, thanks to the efforts of Diane Shalter and Janet Brinker.

Shalter of Muhlenberg Township and Brinker of Spring Township sew and sell pet scarves to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Cumru Township.

Shalter became involved with the project 10 years ago, but Brinker had been making pet scarves before then.

Originally, the women sold the scarves at Just Paws, a former store at the VF Outlet Center. Proceeds from the sales went to the Humane Society of Berks County. Some time after the store closed, Shalter and Brinker approached the Animal Rescue League to see if it would be interested in being a part of their efforts to help shelter animals.

"We estimate that Janet and Diane have been selling the scarves at the ARL for almost five years, since our new building opened (June 2008)," said Chris Shaughness, director of media and marketing for the ARL. "We were delighted that they chose us to support."

The women sew large scarves in tie and slide styles, which sell for $5 each; medium slide style, priced at $4 each; and small slide style, $3 each. They look for attractive and unique fabric patterns at reasonable prices in order to keep the cost of materials as low as possible. Only fabric prices are deducted from total scarf sales, all other materials and time are donated.

From cut to finish, Shalter said, it takes about an hour on average to make one scarf. She uses a pattern, cuts the fabric and pins it together, sews it, flips it and pulls out the corners before finishing it with top stitching. The scarves are lined.

Shalter said it is an ongoing project, and she is always making scarves when she has some free time.

In addition to the display at ARL, scarves are for sale at various ARL events throughout the year, such as Bark in the Park. Scarves also are sold at the VCA Cacoosing Animal Hospital in Wernersville and the annual Reading Pet Expo. Shalter said this past fall she participated selling scarves at a VCA satellite fundraiser in Sinking Spring as well.

She said she's had all different ages and types of people want to buy the scarves.

"They get excited, and they usually look a little hesitant because they see these triangles and they are not quite sure what to do with them," Shalter said of the customers. "But once they are shown what to do with them, it's a different story."

Many customers who are familiar with the scarves look to buy a variety of prints for different seasons and occasions as the women use fabrics with holiday and seasonal themes.

"It's just fun because people love their animals so much, and when you let them know it's going to the dogs, it's just a win-win," she said.

According to Shalter and Shaughness, the scarves generate between $1,200 and $2,000 annually for ARL. This money is contributed to the general fund, which helps to keep the shelter running.

"The ARL appreciates all of the time and effort that Janet and Diane put into this project," Shaughness said. "They do all of the work so that the busy and stretched ARL staff doesn't have to."

Shalter and Brinker both stressed their motivation for making and selling the scarves is to help animals in need.

"I always encourage people to not forgot the leagues when they are looking for a dog," Shalter said. "I truly appreciate and support their mission. It's not about me. It's always been for the dogs."